The immediate past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Deji Olanrewaju has stressed the need for an unwavering commitment to ethical and professional standards in shaping the future of banking and finance amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges
The CIBN 23rd President who was delivering his valedictory lecture, “Ethics and Professionalism in the Nigerian Financial System: A Symbiotic Necessity”, at Ijewere Hall, Bankers House, Victoria Island, Lagos, emphasized that integrity and professional discipline are not optional ideals but essential safeguards for stability and growth in the nation’s banking industry.
The event attracted captains of industry, legal luminaries, and senior government officials including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi.
His presence not only underscored the significance of the occasion but deeply stressed the urgency of addressing the issues of ethics and professionalism in Nigeria’s financial system.
In his lecture, Prof. Olanrewaju stressed that while ethics is a personal commitment to doing what is right, it remains fragile and susceptible to rationalization and social pressure.
He noted that even ethical individuals can be bent by systemic demands that conflict with moral values, stressing that professionalism provides the external structure—shared standards, disciplinary mechanisms, and collective identity—that makes ethical conduct integral rather than optional.
Prof. Olanrewaju emphasized that institutions bear a grave moral burden imposed by the ethics of their profession, and that this responsibility must be upheld to sustain trust in the financial system.
“You will face earlier than expected, moments when doing the right thing has professional cost. It could be a transaction that does not smell right, a figure that does not reflect truth, or a silence serving the wrong interest, " he counseled the young professionals
He reminded them that decades of practice has proven that the professionals who navigate these moments with integrity do not suffer on the long run but become those who endure, who advance and ultimately shape the profession.
“Please ensure that your reputation outlasts any single institution.”
“Trustworthiness remains our continuing construction and trustworthiness is not the privilege of developed economies alone. It is a necessity for the sustained, broad-based development which Nigeria needs and which this generation of bankers has the opportunity to help build.”
Beyond the young professionals, he also addressed all professionals gathered in the hall:
“You are not merely bystanders to that project, you are its architect. The choices you make, the standards you uphold and the moments you choose integrity over convenience accumulate,” he said.
“They accumulate into culture and culture over time, becomes the system.”
Beyond the lecture, the programme also showcased Prof. Olanrewaju’s contributions to the Institute, which included significant improved financial performance and operational efficiency, increase in membership enrollment and notable infrastructural development projects that strengthened the CIBN’s institutional capacity.
The lecture drew tributes from industry and academic leaders who praised Prof. Olanrewaju’s legacy of reform and mentorship.
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chairman of the occasion, commended his exemplary leadership and contributions to the banking profession, while Babcock University President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, celebrated him as a distinguished faculty member whose scholarship and guidance continue to shape future professionals.
Their remarks reinforced the broader recognition of his impact across both academia and the financial sector.
High point of the event was the presentation of Prof. Olanrewaju’s latest book, a work that further reflects his commitment to advancing ethical standards in banking.
The symbolic pullout underscored not only the end of his tenure but also the enduring relevance of his ideas and contributions to both scholarship and practice in Nigeria’s financial system.
Pix:Prof. Deji Olanrewaju and spouse with others hold copies of his newly published book.
Pix:Babcock University President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole delivering his goodwill message.
Pix: A cross section of CIBN officers, past presidents and guests at the event.
Pix: A cross section of Babcock university faculty and other guests at the event.
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